Zion Lehigh Evangelical Lutheran Church, 8269 Spring Creek Road, Alburtis, will host Michael and Linda Hertzog, musicians who will share with the congregation the Longswamp version of the New Year’s Wish during worship 10 a.m. Feb. 18.

Dating to the 1700s, the “Nei Yaahr Winsching” was tradition among the Pennsylvania Dutch in Berks, Lehigh and Schuylkill counties.

In the week between Christmas and New Year’s, groups of carolers would assemble outside a residence.

A “wisher” would call out the occupants and chant a blessing on the household.

“May God bless you and your wife, sons and daughters, hired men and women, and all in this house so you will have a happy New Year,” the wisher would chant in the dialect.

Often, it would be accompanied by the clanging of pots and pans, the ringing of sleigh bells or the blowing of horns or conch shells.

The making of a great noise is a pre-Christian tradition designed to drive away evil spirits.

Afterwards, the group was often given refreshments, before they continued on to the next home to chant the wish.

All are welcome to hear how our ancestors lived their faith in their everyday lives and customs, such as New Year wishing.